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Sunday

Two teams are on their bye as the NFL heads into week 7. The Saints and Raiders have time off after they each lost in week 6.

As for me, I had a pretty good week 6, going 10-5 in my picks, so let’s see if I can at least match that this time around.

Thursday Night Football

Seattle @ Arizona: It’s an NFC West showdown to kick off the week of football. The Seahawks are looking like a top 2-3 team in the NFC, while the Cardinals are much improved from a year ago. Seattle is coming off a win, Arizona a loss. I think it will be close for most of the game, but Seattle’s defense will make a big play late to seal their 6th win of the season. SEATTLE WINS

1PM Sunday Games

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta: This division game is actually a battle to stay out of last place. Shocking yes. But still true. The Falcons are having a down year to say the least, and lost Julio Jones for the year before their bye week. They’ll also be without Roddy White for the first time in his 8-year career. The Bucs are win-less and had a hard time stopping any part of the Eagles high-powered offense in week 6. Even without Jones and White, I see think Matt Ryan can lead his team to win number 2. ATLANTA WINS

Chicago @ Washington: The Bears already beat one NFC East team this month, can they do it again? If their offensive line can protect Jay Cutler like they did last week, they’ve got a shot. The Redskins weren’t anything to write home about last week, but they’ve got one thing that can really tip the score in their favors. The bears usually shutdown defense has been suspect of late, and they let Brandon Jacobs turn back the clock and have a big day on the ground. I’m going with the road team, but if RGII and Alfred Morris can get it going big time running the football, this could be Washington’s night. CHICAGO WINS

Dallas @ Philadelphia: Another week of NFC East fun for the Cowboys, against the team they’re currently tied for first place with. Neither team has looked good for more than a week at a time, so with both coming off wins, this will give one team their first winning streak of the season. The Boys will be without starting back DeMarco Murray, and Nick Foles should get another start at QB after a great performance in place of the injured Michael Vick. I think Dallas is the better team, even without Murray, and Demarcus Ware who suffered a pulled quad last week. DALLAS WINS

New England @ New York Jets: The Patriots are feeling good after a late second win over the Saints, while the Jets took a step backwards against Pittsburgh. New England already has a 3-point win over their AFC foes, and I think they get another one. Their run game is starting to improve, and Tom Brady is feeling a lot more comfortable with his new receiving core. But don’t be surprised if this is another one-score game. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Buffalo @ Miami: The Dolphins are coming off their bye and are looking to keep pace with the Patriots. The Bills are looking to get back in the win column with a new quarterback. I think Buffalo showed a lot coming back in the 4th quarter last week against Cincy. But I think Miami is just the better team, and with it being a home game for the Dolphins, that tips the scale for me. MIAMI WINS

San Diego @ Jacksonville: The Jags played probably their best game of the year against Denver, while the Chargers probably played their best game against Indy. San Diego has been very up and down this year, while Jacksonville is has looked a bit better the last two weeks, though moral victories in an 0-6 season don’t count for much. I’d like to say this is the week the Jaguars get rid of the zero, but I think Phillip Rivers and company make it two in a row. SAN DIEGO WINS

St. Louis @ Carolina: These are two teams coming off easy victories. The Rams made the Texans look silly, getting big contributions on defense and in e passing game. While the Panthers pounced on a Vikings team hit by tragedy and controversy. I know it’s a road game, but give me the Rams in a close one. ST LOUIS WINS

Cincinnati @ Detroit: It’s a match-up of two 4-2 teams that are both starting to play well in all facets of the game. Cincy’s defense almost blew a 14 point lead last week, but they did enough to allow the team to get an overtime win. They’ve shown flashes of true greatness this year, snapping Tom Brady’s 52-game touchdown streak two weeks ago. The Lions played really well in Cleveland, stopping a team on a hot streak while getting big contributions from guys like Josesph Fauria and DeAndre Levy. If the Bengals defense can play somewhere between how they did against New England and Buffalo, and get similar run production, I think they pick up a big road win. CINCINNATI WINS

4/4:25PM Sunday Games

San Francisco @ Tennessee: The 49ers have looked very good of late, especially running the ball with Frank Gore. Tennessee has also looked pretty good, despite losing to Seattle Sunday. San Fran has had two straight blowout wins, and I think that ends this week. The Titans didn’t make it easy for one of the NFC’s best last week, and will do the same this week. But I still think the niners get the win. SAN FRAN WINS

Houston @ Kansas City: The past few years I’d have said this is an easy road win for the Texans, but that’s not the case anymore. Houston has been dreadful the past couple of weeks, while the Chiefs defense looks like it could be anyone right now. So while this might not be the blowout Houston has been put through the last few weeks, That being said, I still think KC remains undefeated for another week. KANSAS CITY WINS

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh: Who doesn’t love Ravens/Steelers? Over the last few years it’s been a battle for the ownership of the AFC North, but this year it’s a bit of a different story. The Ravens are looking to avoid slipping below .500, while Pitt is looking for just its 2nd win of the season. The Steelers looked a bit more like themselves in their win Sunday, while Baltimore continues to struggle running the football. I see this being a low scoring game, but I think the road team gets it done. BALTIMORE WINS

Cleveland @ Green Bay: Neither team looked great offensively Sunday, but the Packers were still able to pick up a win over Baltimore. Brandon Weedon had one of the worst games of his career against Detroit. I think both teams play better in this one, but I think Aaron Rodgers doesn’t have two down performances in a row, especially back home. The Pack will be without big play threat Randall Cobb, but youngsters like Mylea White look to step up. GREEN BAY WINS

Sunday Night Football

Denver @ Indianapolis: This is the game everyone wants to see. Peyton Manning returns to Indy for the first time in a different uniform and brings his undefeated Broncos with him. The Colts offense couldn’t get anything going against San Diego, but I don’t see that being a problem this week. As good as Denver’s offense has been, their defense hasn’t been so great. But I still think the Broncos walk out of Indy with the W, simply because of number 18 and his comfort level at Lucas Oil Stadium. DENVER WINS

Monday Night Football

Minnesota @ New York Giants; It’s a match-up of two desperate teams in prime-time. They enter action a combined 1-10, with the G-Men off to their worst start since 1976. You have to give Eli Manning and the Giants the edge at home, right? Well as bad as the defense has been, they did a good job of stopping Matt Forte a week ago, and they themselves found a run game. The Vikings will start their 3rd quarterback of the season, benchind Matt Cassel in favor the recently acquired Josh Freeman. If you can find a way to limit the turnovers, and keep the run game going with new back Peyton Hillis, I think the Giants will pick up win number 1 of the year. NEW YORK WINS

6 down. 11 to go. And we still have 3 win-less teams, as well as 2 undefeated squads.

Atlanta and Miami were both on their bye weeks.

NFC EAST (At Least a Couple Teams Are at .500 Now)

Cowboys: A big win on Sunday night, but it came with some costly injuries. Both defensive end Demarcus Ware and running back DeMarco Murray left with injuries. Ware with a pulled quad muscle, and could miss 3-4 weeks; he’s never missed a start since entering the league in 2005. Meanwhile, Murray, who scored the games first touchdown, left with a knee sprain; he’s expected to miss about a week.Dwayne Harris returned a punt for an 86-yard touchdown and set up another Dallas score with a 90-yard kickoff return. Tony Romo had just 170 passing yards a week after his 506 in a loss to Denver. I think he’ll take that trade every time. (3-3)

Eagles: The offense had a huge day, with LeSean McCoy running for 116 yard, while Nick Foles threw for nearly 300 yards and 3 TDs, while running for a 4th, in place of the injured Michael Vick. Desean Jackson caught 2 touchdowns, while Riley Cooper found paydirt once, while racking up 120 receiving yards. It was close early, but the defense held Tampa to just a field goal in the in the 2nd half. (3-3)

Redskins: Robert Griffin III completed less than 50% of his throws, threw no touchdowns and one pick in their loss to Dallas. RGIII did rush for 77 yards, but fumbled twice, losing one. Alfred Morris score their lone offensive touchdown as a part of his 81 yard rushing day. The defense managed just one sack of Romo, but Rob Jackson did take a pick to the house. Their special teams play was a killer, unable to stop Dwayne Harris from putting up big return numbers. (1-4)

Giants: They played their best game of the season, and still managed to lose. Eli Manning threw 2 picks in his first 5 pass attempts, but it was the interception thrown on a possible game winning drive in the 4th quarter that sealed their win-less fate. It was a game that saw Brandon Jacobs run like it was 2008, scoring 2TDs and bringing a much-needed run game back to New York. When a guy like Jacobs turns back the clock like that, you’ve got to find a way to win. But no pass rush to go with turnovers hurt Big Blue once again. It’s the teams first 0-6 start since 1976. (0-6)

NFC NORTH (It’s Crowded At the Top)

Lions: Calvin Johnson made his return after a week off with an injury, but didn’t have a big stat day, as he was used as more of a decoy. Tight-end Joseph Fauria was the beneficiary, catching a career high 3 touchdowns, including the one to seal the victory with 2:01 left to go in regulation. Matthew Stafford threw 3 of his 4 TD passes in the 2nd half to rally his team to victory and keep a share of 1st place. (4-2)

Bears: Brandon Marshall had a huge game in Chicago’s first win since week 3. The team did everything they could to give New York the game in the 4th except turn the ball over, but in the end they held tough and picked off Manning 3 times in the final frame. Tim Jennings got Manning twice, including a 48-yard return for a touchdown on the Giants opening drive. QB Jay Cutler had a good day, with no turnovers and throwing for two scores. (4-2)

Packers: Outside of a 64-yard touchdown strike to Jordy Nelson, Aaron Rodgers didn’t bring his A game on Sunday. But Green Bay held on despite a big fourth quarter comeback attempt by Baltimore. 4 Mason Crosby field goals and 120 yards on the ground by rookie rusher Eddie Lacy helped give the Pack just enough cushion. Despite being without Clay Matthews, their defense held Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense in check, sacking last years Superbowl MVP five times, and holding Baltimore backs to 47 combined yards on the ground. It was their first road win of the year. AJ Hawk was a monster, picking up 3 sacks in the win.(3-2)

Vikings: it was a trying week for Minnesota as they came off their bye. Adrian Peterson played days after the death of his son, while Matt Cassel got the start despite the addition of Josh Freeman at quarterback.Cassel couldn’t make it two wins in a row for his Vikes, throwing 2 interceptions, both of which led to Carolina touchdowns. (1-4)

NFC SOUTH (The Saints Are Still Running Away With It)

Saints: In a dog fight with New England, they left Drew Brees had brought them back from an early 10-point deficit to take a 27-23 lead late in the 4th. But they left too much time on the clock for Tom Brady, losing their first of the year on a last second touchdown. Tight-end Jimmy Graham had entered action averaging over 118 yards receiving a game this season, but was held catch-less, and pulled up lame late in the game. (5-1)

Panthers: They used their bye week well. Cam Newton was spectacular, throwing for 3 scores, and running for a 4th in a 25-point rout of Minnesota.Carolina took advantage of turnovers, and carried an 11-point lead into halftime. (2-3)

Falcons: Bye Week. (1-4)

Buccaneers: Vincent Jackson had a huge day, but they still couldn’t pick up win number 1. The wide-out caught 9 passes for 114 yards and Tampa’s two touchdowns. Mike Glennon didn’t have a bad day either, throwing for two scores and one pick. They just couldn’t stop the Eagles offense, which combined for 412 yards in the air and on the ground. (0-5)

NFC WEST (The Most Improved Division?)

Seahawks: It wasn’t their best performance, but a win is a win. They won this one on the ground, with Marshawn Lynch running for two scores, and racking up 155 all-purpose yards in the process. Richard Sherman did what he does, picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick early in the 4th quarter. Russell Wilson showed once again why he’s one of the top young QB’s in the league, throwing for over 250 yards, no picks and adding 77-yards on the ground. Seattle has now won 11 straight home games, proving they have one of the best home-field advantages in football.(5-1)

49ers: Vernon Davis had an absolute monster of a 1st half, 177 yards and 2 touchdowns, finishing with a career high 180 yards receiving. It was also another banner day for the defense, forcing 4 turnovers for the second straight week. Add another 100 yard rushing game for Frank Gore and a strong day by Colin Kaepernick, and you have another big win for San Francisco. (4-2)

Rams: Talk about a big win. They played well in all facets of the game, scoring on defense and special teams to go along with 3 TD passes from Sam Bradford. Alec Ogletree returned a TJ Yates interception 98 yards to push their lead to 38-6. The defense racked up 5 sacks including 2 by Michael Brockers.(3-3)

Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald gave Arizona a 1st quarter 7-6 lead on a 75-yard catch and run from Carlson Palmer. But then the 49ers took over and the Cardinals couldn’t recover, even getting shut out in the 4th quarter. They turned the ball over 4 times, and also lost star defensive end Calais Campbell to an apparent right leg injury late in the game. (3-3)

AFC EAST (Brady’s Comeback Puts Some Distance Atop the Division)

Patriots: They survived a Tom Brady pick with just over 2 minutes to go. They got the ball back with just over a minute to go thanks to a good stop by Chandler Jones on 3rd down. And with 5 seconds left, Tom Brady hit Kenbrell Thompkins in the end zone to cap off a 70-yard game winning drive. It was a big win a week after Brady was shutout in the touchdown department. Stevan Ridley helped out big time on the ground, finding the end zone twice, and racking up over a 100 yards from scrimmage. (5-1)

Dolphins: Bye Week. (3-2)

Jets: A step back for Rookie Geno Smith and the Jets in their home game against the once win-less Steelers. Smith threw two interceptions, barely got over the 200 yard mark and fumbled once. The offense mustered just two Nick Folk field goals in the first half.(3-3)

Bills: The running game was very balanced on Sunday, with 5 players getting touches, including new starting QB Thad Lewis. Lewis threw for 2 touchdowns, and ran for another in his second career start. 14 points in the 4th quarter forced overtime against Cincinnati, but they fell by a field goal none-the-less. (2-4)

AFC NORTH (Where Almost Everyone is 3-2)

Bengals: it wasn’t pretty, but Cincy got it done in overtime against Buffalo. Up 27-10 heading into the 4th, it looked like it would be an easy win for the Bengals. But 14 unanswered by the Bills sent the game to OT. BenJarvius Green-Ellis and not Giovanni Bernard was the featured back, and he delivered 86 rushing yards. Andy Dalton threw for over 300 yards and broke a two game touchdown-less drought in a big way, finding the end-zone three times. AJ Green did his thing, going over 100 yards again. (4-2)

Ravens: The defense wasn’t the problem Sunday in Green Bay. The offense was shutdown in the first half, and was forced to mount a furious comeback in the 4th, one that came just 2 points shy of being completed. Ray Rice and the run game was not a factor in this one at all, and though Flacco threw for almost 350 and 2 touchdowns, he also fumbled twice, losing one. (3-3)

Browns: Brandon Weedon was not good Sunday in Detroit, and with no help on the ground, Cleveland didn’t have enough to get past the Lions. The newly reinstated starting QB was picked off late on a strange shovel pass when the game was not yet out of reach. Guys like Buster Skrine and TJ Ward had very nice games on defense, while receiver Josh Gordon caught 7 balls for 126 yards. They let a 10-point half-time lead slip away thanks to a goose egg in the second half.(3-3)

Pittsburgh: Steelers fans travel well, and on this day their team played well, picking up their first win of 2013. The defense was outstanding, holding the Jets to a pair of field goals, and finally turning over an opponent. They were the only league to not force a turnover through week 5. With no production on the ground, Ben Roethlisberger had a good game, completing 23 of 30 passes for 264 yards and a score. (1-4)

AFC South (Houston We Have a Problem)

Colts: A rare bad game for Indy, who managed just 3 Adam Vinatieri field-goals on Monday Night. Andrew Luck wasn’t so lucky on this night, with many big drops by his receivers. And yet he still had a chance in the 4th quarter, to drive his team on yet another comeback. But it wasn’t meant to be, throwing his only interception of the game with less than two to play. Reggie Wayne with a nice milestone in the loss, hitting the 1,000 reception mark and passing Steeler great Hines Ward on the all-time receptions list for 8th place. (4-2)

Titans: Tennessee made things tough on the Seahawks, something that’s hard to do in that home-field advantage Seattle boasts.They had plenty of chances to steal one, but when Ryan Fitzpatrick ties Chris Johnson for the team lead in rushing yards, you know things aren’t going well. Their lone touchdown came thanks to their special teams, who recovered a bad snap on a field goal to end the 1st half. (3-3)

Texans: Things went from bad to worse in Houston. Matt Schaubdidn’t throw a pick 6 for what would’ve been the 7th straight game, but he did leave late in the 3rd with a right ankle injuries. The beleaguered starting QB left to cheers from the Houston crowd, and was replaced by TJ Yates, who did throw a pick 6 of his own. (2-4)

Jaguars: It was probably their best game of the year, but in the end the Broncos were just too much for them. It was just a 2-point game mid-way through the 3rd, despite the crazy 28-point spread put on the game in Denver’s favor. Justin Blackmon had another good game, 190 receiving yards, thanks to a big day from Chad Henne, who threw for 2TDs and 303 yards. But the defense couldn’t stop the run game in the redzone, which was the difference. (0-6)

(AFC WEST) Where All the Undefeated Teams Reside

Broncos: Peyton Manning with his worth performance of the year, losing two fumbles and throwing his 2nd pick of the year. And still they won by 16. The big story was the performance of Knowshon Moreno, who rand for just 42 yards, but scored 3 rushing touchdowns. Talk about taking advantage in the red-zone. (6-0)

Chiefs: This team just can’t lose right now and it’s all thanks to their stellar defense. 10 sacks in one game is a lot no matter who you’re playing, but against a rival Oakland team that boasts a mobile quarterback, that’s just downright impressive. Tamba Ali racked up 3.5 of those. Alex Smith wasn’t good, but he didn’t need to be thanks to his defense and two touchdown runs by Jamaal Charles. Smith completed just 14 of 31 pass attempts for 128 yards, but didn’t turn the ball over, which is exactly what head coach Andy Reid wants. (6-0)

Chargers: Nick Novak kicked 3 big field goals to help bounce back from a tough loss to Oakland last week. The offense didn’t turn the ball over, and the lone touchdown of the day was thrown to rookie Keenan Allen, who had another big day. Their lone forced turnover sealed the win late in the 4th quarter. Ryan Matthews broke a string of 23 straight games without a 100-yard rusher for San Diego. (3-3)

Raiders: Terrelle Pryor got little help from his offensive line. He was sacked 10 times. Their lone touchdown, a 39-yard strike to Denarius Moore, actually gave them a 2nd quarter lead. Pryor threw three picks, one for a Kansas City score, and saw his offense shutout in the 2nd half.(2-4)

So that’s a wrap on week 6. Week 7 kicks off on Thursday Night Football with an NFC West Showdown. The Seahawks are in Arizona for a date with the Cardinals.

Last week I went 7-7 in my picks, so let’s see if I can top that this week.

Thursday Night Football

New York Giants @ Chicago: I need to stop picking the Giants, who are bad in all 3 phases of the game right now. But here are the Bears, losers of 2 straight where they’ve allowed 66 points. Both teams are struggling, and their QBs just keep turning the ball over. I have to give the edge to the home team here. CHICAGO WINS

1PM Sunday Games

Green Bay @ Baltimore: Both teams are coming off much-needed wins, but also wins where neither QB looked spectacular. The run game for both seem to be turning around, but despite it being a road game, Aaron Rodgers has the edge over Joe Flacco in this one. GREEN BAY WINS

Cincinnati @ Buffalo: The Bills are down their starting quarterback, while the Bengals defense is on a high following a complete shutdown of the Patriots. Buffalo will have to rely on their running back tandem of CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson to carry them. While the Bengals have to hope Andy Dalton can find his rhythm. CINCINNATI WINS

Detroit @ Cleveland: This is one of the more intriguing match-ups this week. Two 3-2 teams that pretty much no one had being over .500 at all this year let alone after week 5. The Browns lost starter Brian Hoyer, but Brandon Weedon is healthy again. While the Lions hope start wide-out Calvin Johnson can come back and help an offense which struggled a week ago. I’m giving the home team the advantage here, thanks to a defense that has looked impressive early. CLEVELAND WINS

St. Louis @ Houston: Houston isn’t very good right now, while the Rams are coming off a nice win over the hapless Jaguars. If the Texans want to make any type of run to get back into the playoff picture, this is a game, at home, against another under .500 team that they have to win. And I think they will, despite a possible QB controversy brewing following the benching of Matt Schaub in favor of TJ Yates late Sunday night against San Francisco. Schaub starts and bounces back in a big way. HOUSTON WINS

Carolina @ Minnesota: The Vikings are coming off their bye, while the Panthers are coming off a bad performance against Arizona. Both are looking for their 2nd win of the season. The Vikings have a new QB on the roster after signing Josh Freeman. Cam Newton had one of his worst days as a starter Sunday. The Vikings have log-jam at QB, as they now have Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel and Freeman as possible starters. but Freeman is in no rush to take over the reigns, so Cassel will get the start Sunday after leading Minnesota to their first win before their bye week. I think the uncertainty hurts, and the Panthers will pounce. CAROLINA WINS

Oakland @ Kansas City: The Raiders are feeling good after their Sunday Night win, but the Chiefs are feeling better sitting here at 5-0. They got a scare from Tennessee last week, but at home this team is going to continue their huge bounce back from a disappointing 2012 season. KANSAS CITY WINS

Pittsburgh @ New York Jets: The Steelers are coming off their bye and looking for win number 1. But they face a tough test in a Jets team flying off a big win over Atlanta. Ben Roethlisberger isn’t used to this losing, while the Jets aren’t used to winning. I honestly can’t see the Steelers going 0-5 but New York’s defense is very good, and Geno Smith continues to grow. I will probably regret it but I’m taking experience versus hot play. PITT WINS

Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay: With the drama surrounding Josh Freeman over, the Buccaneers look to pick up their 1st win of the year against the Eagles who picked up win number 2 last week. Nick Foles is expected to start for the injured Michael Vick, but that worked out fine against New York, so no worries there. PHILADELPHIA WINS

4/4:25PM Sunday Games

Jacksonville @ Denver: If ever there were a trap game, this would be it. The beat up 0-5 Jags on the road against the seemingly unstoppable 5-0 Broncos? Well, you know the saying any given Sunday? It’s true, I just don’t see it being true on this Sunday. DENVER WINS

Tennessee @ Seattle: This might be my favorite game of the week. Most people probably didn’t have the Titans winning many games all season, yet here they are at 3-2. And really they had a chance last week against the now 5-0 Chiefs. The Seahawks are coming off a tough loss to the Colts, their first of the year. I think the Titans can hang around again, but that 12th man is going to be the difference again. SEATTLE WINS

New Orleans @ New England: Two teams who are a combined 9-1? Should be fun. Tom Brady and co are coming off a rare no-touchdown effort, and I see them responding in a big way, handing the Saints their first loss. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Arizona @ San Francisco: This is another one of the more intriguing games of the week. Both enter action off big wins and at 3-2 in a much improved NFC West. If this game were in Cardinals territory I might give them the edge. But home-field and a Niners team clicking in every facet of the game is too much to pick against. SAN FRAN WINS

Sunday Night Football

Washington @ Dallas: An NFC East battle that could help the Cowboys pull away, or just make things more jumbled in a down division. Tony Romo is coming off the best game of his career, except for the only thing people will remember, which is the poor decision-making late that caused a turnover and led to a loss. The Redskins are coming off a bye, and look to pick up their 2nd win of the year. Anything can happen in division games, and I see this one being close until the end, but I think the boys bounce back at home. DALLAS WINS

Monday Night Football

Indianapolis @ San Diego: The Colts are really, really good. The Chargers are very up and down. If Phillip Rivers can stop with all the turnovers, this team maybe wouldn’t be so inconsistent. I see it being a fairly close game, but as it tends to happen, Andrew Luck will do something awesome in the 4th quarter. INDY WINS

So there you have it. My week 6 picks. Enjoy all the football action, and I’ll be back Monday with my thoughts on what went down.

5 down. 12 to go. And we still have 3 win-less teams, as well as 3 undefeated squads.

Washington, Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Tampa Bay were all on their bye weeks.

I’m deviating from breaking this down by record. Now that we’ve come to week 5, division races are starting to take shape. So let’s take a look around the league that way.

NFC EAST (The Under .500 Club)

Cowboys: Tony Romo had the best game of his career, becoming the 1st Dallas QB to throw for over 500 yards. But a late second interception led to a Broncos game-winning field-goal and a loss.But don’t focus on another Romo turnover. When you put up 48 points, you should win. The defense just couldn’t stop Peyton Manning. To be fair no one has yet this year. (2-3)

Eagles: Michael Vick went down with a hamstring injury in the 1st half, but Nick Foles didn’t miss a beat. Kicker Alex Henery shook off a shaky start to his season by completing all 5 of his field-goal attempts. (2-3)

Redskins: Bye week. (1-3)

Giants: The good news? The offense looked a little better. The bad news? They didn’t look good enough, with 4 more turnovers, 3 of which came courtesy of Eli Manning in the 4th quarter. The run-game remained anemic, and the defense generated absolutely no pass-rush once again. Changes need to come, and quick. (0-5)

NFC NORTH (Too Close to Call)

Lions: After a big win over Chicago last week, the offense sputtered without Calvin Johnson in the lineup against Green Bay. The running back tandem of Reggie Bush and Joique Bell couldn’t help Matt Stafford and the pass game either. (3-2)

Bears: It wasn’t a horrible performance by the defense a week after allowing 40 to Detroit. But they couldn’t get much going on offense. Aside from a huge day from wide-receiver Alshon Jeffery, who caught 10 balls for 218 yards and a touchdown, Chicago couldn’t do capitalize. Jay Cutler’s two fumbles, 1 which was lost didn’t help. (3-2)

Packers: It wasn’t the prettiest game, but a win’s a win. Most of the offense came from the leg of Mason Crosby, who kicked 5 field goals. Aaron Rodgers did connect on a long TD pass to James Jones to pull away in the 3rd quarter. (2-2)

Vikings: Coming off their bye week, they’ll have a new QB on the roster after signing Josh Freeman, who was released last week by the Bucs. (1-3)

NFC SOUTH (The Saints Are Running Away)

Saints: After starting last year 0-4, the turnaround in New Orleans has been a big one. One of the final 3 unbeatens, Drew Brees is having a great start to his year, as is the defense. Jimmy Graham tied an NFL record held by Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez with his 4th straight 100-yard game as a tight-end. Graham accomplished this feat back in 2011 as well. (5-0)

Carolina: Cam Newton had a very bad day Sunday against the Cardinals. The mobile QB did manage to throw for over 300 yards, but was also picked off 3 times, took a safety and was sacked 7 times. The defense had an okay day, but that many turnovers is hard to overcome. (1-3)

Atlanta: They came from 13 down to take a 1-point lead with less than 2 to play. Really they should’ve been up 4, but somehow instead of kicking a field goal to end the 1st half to get within 7, the Falcons instead chose to go for it on 4th and goal and were stuffed. For the first time in his career, Matt Ryan loses back to back games at home, and are now essentially 5 games out of 1st. (1-4)

Tampa Bay: Bye Week. (0-4)

NFC WEST (The Most Improved Division?)

Seahawks: They suffered their first loss of the season, a shootout loss with the comeback kids, the Colts. Going back even further, it was their first regular season loss since November 25th of last season. Russell Wilson had 300+ total yards in the loss, including 102 yards rushing. (4-1)

49ers: Another easy win for San Fran, this time coming against a Houston team that is struggling big time. Tramaine Brock’s pick six of Matt Schaub on the first pass of the game was all the niners needed in the 34-3 win on Sunday Night football. (3-2)

Cardinals: Their defense was the real star against Carolina, picking up 7 sacks, a safety and three interceptions. Carson Palmer’s day was nothing to write home about, neither was the run game, but they did enough to win thanks to short field position. (3-2)

Rams: A good game on all ends versus the now 0-5 Jaguars. Sam Bradford threw for 3 touchdowns, including 2 to Austin Pettis. The run game was pretty good as well. Big plays were the name of the game, including Matt Giordano’s 82 yard interception return for a touchdown. (2-3)

AFC EAST (You Can’t Just Hand New England the Division Anymore)

Patriots: They still lead the division, but they picked up their 1st loss of the year thanks to a shutdown Bengals defense. It was a low scoring game, something we’re not seeing from New England. And that’s because Tom Brady did something he hadn’t done in 52 games, he didn’t throw a touchdown. (4-1)

Dolphins: A 13-6 halftime lead wasn’t enough to save Miami from their second loss of the year. In a game of field-goals, Caleb Sturgis missed from 57-yards to tie the score with 33 seconds to go. The run game was non-existent, with starter Lamar Miller picking up just 15 yards on the ground. (3-2)

Jets: Geno Smith continues to show growth in his rookie season, leading his team on a game winning drive with under 2 minutes to play. The defense was lock down in the 1st half, but showed some holes in the redzone late. But it’s a big road win none-the-less. (3-2)

Bills: Not only did they lose their game with Cleveland, they lost starting QB EJ Manuel. On a scramble in the 1st half, Manuel took a hit to the knee, and suffered an LCL sprain, which could sideline him for up 6 weeks. Fellow rookie QB Jeff Tuel came in for Manuel, but didn’t look very good. The run game was on point, but it wasn’t enough on the road. (2-3)

AFC NORTH (Where Almost Everyone is 3-2)

Ravens: Justin Tucker had himself a day, going 4-4 on his field-goal attempts, including the game winner with 1:42 to go. Joe Flacco wasn’t a whole lot better than his 5-interception performance last week, but Ray Rice finally showed up on the ground, running in for 2 touchdowns. (3-2)

Browns: Three straight wins, despite losing QB Brian Hoyer to knee injury. Brandon Weedon lost the starting job to Hoyer when he went down with an injury, but returned to help lead Cleveland to another win. (3-2)

Bengals: The offense wasn’t great, but their defense pitched a Brady shutout. Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis ran in a 1-yarder for the games only touchdown in the 4th quarter. (3-2)

Pittsburgh: Coming off their bye (0-4)

AFC South (Houston We Have a Problem)

Colts: Another impressive win for Indy, this time handing Seattle their first loss of the year. Andrew Luck continues to show why he was the number 1 pick in last year’s draft, leading his team for a 9th career comeback win. The special teams for both squads showed up, including Delano Howell who scored for Indy on a 61-yard return touchdown of a blocked field goal. (4-1)

Titans: Tennessee lost, but put up a good fight against the undefeated Chiefs. Ryan Fitzpatrick, in place of the injured Jake Locker, ran in a go-ahead TD in the 4th. (3-2)

Texans: Ever since taking a 20-0 1st half lead in week 4 against Seattle, Houston has been outscored 57-3 in their 2 game losing streak. Matt Schaub threw a pick 6 for the fourth straight game (a 1st in NFL history), and was benched in favor of TJ Yates. (2-3)

Jaguars: Things have gone from bad to worse for the win-less Jags. After getting starting QB Blaine Gabbert back, he left their loss to St Louis with a hamstring injury, and lost 1st round pick OT Luke Joeckel for the year to a broken ankle. Things don’t look better with the 5-0 Broncos coming to town. (0-5)

(AFC WEST) Where You’re Either Undefeated or a Game Under

Broncos: This team has scored the most points through the first 5 games of a season in NFL History. And yet they almost lost to Dallas. The defense hasn’t needed to be on much this year, with Manning being so automatic (20 touchdowns, 1 rushing TD and just 1 interception). But they couldn’t stop the run or the pass against Dallas, something they need to fix, because odds are Manning will struggle one of these days. Maybe. (5-0)

Chiefs: Denver has company. They got pushed by Tennessee, nearly blowing an early 14-0 lead. But a Jamaal Charles touchdown in the 4th, apart of a 108-yard rushing performance, put them up for good. (5-0)

Raiders: Terrelle Pryor made it known Sunday Night that this is his team. Two touchdown passes in the 1st quarter put San Diego in a hole they couldn’t climb out of. The Raiders showed more faith in Pryor Monday, when they released off-season acquisition Matt Flynn. Their defense forced 4 turnovers, including one from veteran Free Safety Charles Woodson, who tied an NFL record with his 13th defensive touchdown. (2-3)

Chargers: The dilemma that is Phillip Rivers continues. 400 yards passing, but threw 3 interceptions. This team was 2-0, and now find themselves at the bottom of the division. (2-3)

So that’s a wrap on week 5. Week 6 kicks off with two desperate teams on Thursday Night Football. The win-less New York Giants head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears.

For what it’s worth, I was 8-7 last week (not great I know). So here’s what I see happening in week 5.

Four more teams, who are a combined 2-14, are on their bye this week: Vikings, Steelers, Buccaneers and the Redskins

Thursday Night Football

Buffalo @ Cleveland: Two teams coming off wins, and while the Browns have home-field, I think the run game for the Bills tips the scales. BUFFALO WINS

1PM Sunday Games:

Philadelphia @ New York Giants: Two teams that have 1 combined win. If the Giants o-line can give Eli Manning any kind of time I think they win. NFC East games are always fun, and usually closely contested, no matter the records going in. The biggest test for New York will be stopping LeSean McCoy, the leagues leading rusher. I keep taking them, but this is probably the last time if they lose again. NEW YORK WINS

New England @ Cincinnati: I might regret this, but I say the Bengals bounce back in a big way at home, and hand the Pats their first loss of the year. CINCY WINS

Detroit @ Green Bay: This is an intriguing match-up. The Lions made a very good Chicago defense look bad, while the Packers are coming off their bye, which came on the heels of a bad loss to Cincy. I have the Pack winning this division, so give me the home team. GREEN BAY WINS

Seattle @ Indianapolis: This is going to be a fun one. The Colts are very good late in games, and the Hawks are coming off a huge comeback win over Houston. It will be a close one. If this were in Seattle, I’d probably choose different. INDY WINS

Baltimore @ Miami: Both teams are coming off losses. The Ravens haven’t gotten what they expected in the run game, and the Dolphins were just outmatched by a high-powered Saints team. MIAMI WINS

New Orleans @ Chicago: Drew Brees is playing better than everyone not named Peyton Manning. The Bears defense was picked apart last week. NEW ORLEANS WINS

Kansas City @ Tennessee: Two teams that are a combined 7-1 coming into this one. The Chiefs are clicking on all cylinders, and the Titans are hurting at QB. I have to give the edge to the undefeated squad. KANSAS CITY WINS

Jacksonville @ St. Louis: This could be as good a chance for the Jags to finally win a game as there has been all year. Except it won’t be. ST LOUIS WINS

4/4:25PM Sunday Games:

Carolina @ Arizona: The Panthers are coming off their bye week, and are looking to get their 2nd win of the year. The Cardinals look to continue to put last year behind them, and get a big home win. I think the Panthers takes this one by one score. CAROLINA WINS

Denver @ Dallas: The Cowboys have flaws. The Broncos have Peyton Manning. This might finally be a close game for Denver, but I see them staying perfect. DENVER WINS

Sunday Night Football:

Houston @ San Francisco: The Texans blew a 20-3 lead in week 4, while the 49ers made easy work of the Rams. When on, both teams have stout defenses and very good running games. I’m going with the “upset” and taking the road team. HOUSTON WINS

11:35PM Sunday Game (Rescheduled because of the ALDS)

San Diego @ Oakland: The Chargers are coming off a big win over Dallas, while the Raiders are sputtering. But San Diego has been up good one game, unable to finish the next. If the Raiders run game can get back on track, I wouldn’t be surprised if they won. That being said, give me the Chargers in this one. SAN DIEGO WINS

Monday Night Football:

New York Jets @ Atlanta: The Falcons need this one. Both are coming off loses in week 5, but I’m giving the Georgia Dome the edge. ATLANTA WINS

Come late Monday night, we will have completed a quarter of the season. Man does time fly when lots of teams you thought were good turn out to be bad.

Week 4 also means the first of the league’s bye weeks, first up are Green Bay and Carolina.

On that note here are my predictions for teams playing in week 4:

Thursday Night Football:

San Francisco @ St. Louis – This NFC West matchup pits two 1-2 teams. I like the improvements the Rams have made, but I just don’t see the 49ers going 1-3. SAN FRAN WINS

1PM Sunday Games:

New York Giants @ Kansas City – If the Giants want to turn their season around, they have to do it on the road against a 3-0 Chiefs team. I have to think they will play hungry and find a way to rattle Alex Smith and the offense. I might be going out on a limb, but I’ll take Big Blue in a close one. NEW YORK WINS

Baltimore @ Buffalo – The Ravens looked liked the defending champs last week, and I think they continue on the road, despite good play early from EJ Manuel and the Bills. BALTIMORE WINS

Arizona @ Tampa Bay – The Cardinals have a better defense, and a better QB now that the Buccaneers have benched 1st rounder Josh Freeman. ARIZONA WINS

Pittsburgh @ Minnesota – A match-up of two 0-3 teams, I think the Steelers have played better on defense than the Vikings, and that will be the difference. PITT WINS

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville – Sorry Jags, 0-4 awaits. INDY WINS

Seattle @ Houston – Seattle has been great so far, but give me the Texans to bounce back from a poor performance against Baltimore to hand the Seahawks their first loss of the year. HOUSTON WINS

Cincinnati @ Cleveland – The Browns won’t be on a win streak after the Bengals come in and use the two-headed monster of AJ Green and a good run game to pick up win number 3. CINCINNATI WINS

Chicago @ Detroit – A good NFC North battle early in this one. I want to give the edge to the Bears on their defense alone, but I think the Lions home-field advantage will come into play. It’s been awhile since Detroit saw a big game like this. DETROIT WINS

4/4:25PM Sunday Games:

New York Jets @ Tennessee – The Jets Defense has been stellar so far, and Geno Smith is showing good growth, but I really love the fight I saw from Jake Locker and his Titans squad. Taking the home team once again. TENNESSEE WINS

Washington @ Oakland – Terrelle Pryor is finally showing his potential, but the Redskins, a playoff team from a year ago won’t start 0-4. DC WINS

Philadelphia @ Denver – Chip Kelley wants an uptempo offense, but he’ll need LeSean McCoy to help run clock. No way you want a shaky Philly defense on the field too long against Peyton Manning ever, let alone during his crazy hot start to the year. Too bad milking the clock still won’t be enough. DENVER WINS

Dallas @ San Diego – This is an interesting match-up. Can the Chargers win a game late, or will the boys jump out ahead again big, not allowing even Phillip Rivera to have a chance in the 4th? DALLAS WINS

Sunday Night Football:

New England @ Atlanta – The Falcons are 1-2, but I think they will respond against the 3-0 Pats, and take the home game in prime-time, even without the services of Steven Jackson at running-back. ATLANTA WINS

Monday Night Football:

Miami @ New Orleans – Maybe the best game of the week with two 3-0 teams doing battle. An upstart Dolphins squad heads to a tough Superdome to face a rejuvenated Saints team. Give me the home team. SAINTS WIN